CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of California Davis Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $522
Cash Discount Price: $3,171
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of California Davis Medical Center is $522. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,171. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2315 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,171

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$522

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $3,171 (1301%)

Insurance Median: $522 (214%)

Cash: $3,171 (1301% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $522 (214% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 214% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 114%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Adventist	$71 - $210	29%
Generic	$71 - $210	29%
Healthnet	$71 - $948	29%
Dignity/Chw	$144	59%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$310 - $522	127%
UnitedHealthcare	$321 - $1,657	132%
Blue Shield Senior	$325	133%
Healthnet Senior	$328	135%
San Joaquin Health Plan Gmc	$341	140%
Carpenters H&W	$522	214%
Cement Masons Trust Fund	$522	214%
Delta	$522	214%
Healthcomp	$522	214%
Ironworkers	$522	214%
Joint Benefit Trust	$522	214%
Laborers Health And Welfare	$522	214%
Operating Engrs Health Welfare	$522	214%
Sierra Pacific Industries	$522	214%
Western Growers	$522	214%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $3,171.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72148.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm University of California Davis Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72148.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.